Tech leaders talk digital evolution opportunities at Chamber event
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We teamed up with some of the region’s tech leaders to understand the pivotal role of digitalisation in shaping the North East’s economic landscape.
Our Digitalising the North East: Where Next? event uncovered the challenges and opportunities arising from the digital evolution. Businesses in attendance looked at how they can harness technology’s potential for creating greater efficiencies and growth, paving the way for a more equitable and resilient economy.
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber, said: “Businesses know that digital technology can drive inclusive and sustainable growth, unlock innovation, and help them reach their sustainability goals.
“Harnessing and realising the benefits of AI will require a solid digital foundation with a digital-ready workforce. Events such as these are key to encouraging collaborative working amongst the region’s businesses and building a stronger, fairer North East.”
Patrick Melia, CEO of Sunderland City Council, spoke about the council’s role in developing Sunderland’s advanced digital eco-system to support connected communities.
Patrick said: “Sunderland is a forward-thinking city, renowned for its smart city initiatives and for creating a blueprint to underpin smart city ambitions across the UK. Recognising the pivotal role that digital connectivity plays in enabling positive change, we are opening up future opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Creating a smarter, more inclusive future for Sunderland is our mission at Sunderland City Council. We’re leading the charge in digital innovation, transforming lives and opportunities by leveraging the latest technology.”
He added: “The digital landscape is always evolving. People’s day-to-day lives are full of tech-enabled services, and it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to access such life-enhancing services.
“By understanding the needs of individuals and the factors that may affect their digital access, we’re opening doors to connect with everyone, ensuring that no one is left behind. Our focus on digital inclusion breaks down barriers, creating opportunities for all to thrive in the digital age.”
Sunderland’s digital inclusion plan outlines six shared priorities: better connectivity and access to equipment; improve digital confidence and skills; create motivation; build trust; design services for all and co-ordinate interventions.
These shared priorities cut across three pillars – Smart Digital Workforce, Smart Digital Residents and Smart Digital City, with measures including Digital Health Hubs and a Sunderland city app.
Patrick said: “We’ve established the Digital Inclusion Network because we recognise that achieving digital inclusion is a collaborative effort. It’s not just up to one organisation – it’s about all of us coming together to make a difference.”
Cadence Willis, vice president at Sage Foundation, shared the work they’re doing to prepare tomorrow’s workforce for a digital future, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education.
She said: “The North East is rich in talent; however, not everyone sees a career in STEM as accessible to them. We aim to confront this issue directly by making STEM education both inspiring and accessible to underrepresented groups.
“We recognise the significance of STEM and aim to use technology to create a more inclusive world, where every individual can realise their full potential.”
Sage teamed up with Newcastle Rugby Foundation on their Tackling Insight programme. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has doubled in size and is now benefiting over 1,200 school children, aiming to inspire them to consider careers in STEM by making learning fun and interactive.
Cadence said: “We are really proud of our partnerships. A collaborative approach is key to unlocking opportunities, and we need to make STEM fun, accessible and to demonstrate real-world use of this learning.”
A panel discussion was hosted by Alison Dunn, CEO of Citizens Advice Gateshead, as part of the event.
Panel members included: Hilary Duffy, director of product marketing at Sage; Patrick Melia, CEO at Sunderland City Council; Gill Hunter, managing partner at Square One Law; and Katharina Roettger, principal scientist at CPI.
Discussions centred around inclusive growth, funding and skills challenges, and cyber security and digital ethics, as well as the strength of the North East and combined authority.
Gill, chair of the Chamber’s Digital Forum and co-chair of the British Chambers of Commerce’s Workplace Equity Commission, said: “Collaboration and unity is key to ensuring inclusive growth.
“The digital sector is fragmented which makes it even harder for businesses to navigate and get the right advice and solutions that align with their overall strategy. We need more inclusivity by design with service providers and manufacturers considering how they can make their products and services accessible for all from the start.”
Gill added: “The Chamber is a good source of information and I think there is an opportunity with devolution to change business support to ensure funding is available for revenue as well as capital projects, including the ability to access and fund specialist consultancy and professional advice to support digital transformation.”
Katharina added: “Access to funding, knowledge and skills is a real challenge, but the network we have is really strong. The new combined authority can lobby much further.”
Career support and the gaming industry were also highlighted as key focus areas.
Hilary said: “It’s important young people understand the career options out there – the job opportunities for computer sciences are phenomenal. We just need that pipeline of talent and the whole region will benefit.”
Digitalising the North East: Where Next? was sponsored by Sage and took place on 25 April at Newcastle Racecourse as part of our Expo event.
Photo caption: (l-r) Gill Hunter, managing partner at Square One Law; Cadence Willis, vice president at Sage Foundation; Alison Dunn, CEO of Citizens Advice Gateshead; Hilary Duffy, director for product marketing at Sage; Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the Chamber; Katharina Roettger, principal scientist at CPI; Patrick Melia, CEO at Sunderland City Council.